Rangers' Lundqvist frustrated by stalled labor talks

GREENBURGH — The offseason treated the Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist well. He is the proud father of a 2-month-old daughter and he won his first Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goalie.

Andrew Gross

GREENBURGH — The offseason treated the Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist well. He is the proud father of a 2-month-old daughter and he won his first Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goalie.

But Lundqvist found it hard to hide his frustration about a labor dispute that is likely to disrupt the 2012-13 season. His memory still is fresh of the lockout that canceled the 2004-05 season.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who in June announced league revenues at a record $3.3 billion for last season, has said the owners will lock out the players if a new collective bargaining agreement is not reached by Sept. 15, when the old CBA expires. Negotiations with the NHL Players' Association broke down last week and no new talks are scheduled.

"The money, it's there," Lundqvist said Wednesday as he was one of 14 Rangers on the ice for an informal skate. "Maybe they need to spread it better. It should be up to the owners more than the players because the money is coming in.

"Hopefully, they can figure it out," he said. "They need to figure it out."

Still, Lundqvist, 30, who went 39-18-5 with a 1.97 goals-against average last season, said he must prepare as if this season will start on time. The Rangers are scheduled to open training camp Sept. 21.

"If we don't start, I'll deal with it then," said the Swede, adding he had not thought about whether he would play in Europe if there was a lockout.

"Nobody is looking to get more money," Lundqvist said. "We want a deal where both sides feel good. We need to figure out how to get all the teams to show a good result."

Notes — Restricted free-agent defenseman Michael Del Zotto was among those on the ice despite unsuccessful negotiations with the Rangers on a new contract.